Addison to host first Parent University

Every day they preach the same idea to students.

Education, they say, should be children's top priority.

Now teachers, politicians and librarians in Addison are teaming up to make sure parents are on the same page.

This Saturday, Parent University will be offered for the first time in Addison. The free event is open to the entire community and aims to give parents tools to help their children succeed both personally and academically.

"Our main goal is the academic success of every student, and now the new step is informing their parents on how to help them reach their potential," said Marco Gasca, Addison Trail's community liaison.

For almost four months the village of Addison, Addison Public Library, Addison School District 4 and DuPage High School District 88 have been collaborating to plan Parent University.

The event will begin with an opening address by Lourdes Ferrer, Hispanic Academic Achievement specialist. Registration starts at the school between 8 and 9 a.m. Saturday.

Afterward, parents can choose four, 45-minute workshops to attend based on topics relevant to their children and their concerns. Each topic will be presented in English and repeated in Spanish.

Gasca said the workshops aim to ease some of the challenges of parenting.

"There's no such book that says, 'If your son does poorly on this, turn to page 8,' " said Gasca. "With these workshops, parents will be able to find a topic that will help them understand behavior, changes and the importance of the role they play in their kids' lives."

Parent University will offer child care for children ages 3 and older.

Workshop topics are: College of DuPage information; GED testing; language barriers and effects on children; navigating the educational system; mental health; STDs and AIDS; teen pregnancy; parenting a teen; signs and symptoms of youth substance abuse; homework help and online resources; getting financially prepared for colleges and universities; gang awareness; parents as teachers; parenting and communication; DeVry University programs; human growth and development; diet and nutrition; financial aid for college; how to help your children succeed in school.

If you go

What: Parent University sponsored by the village of Addison, Addison Public Library, Addison School District 4 and DuPage High School District 88

When:9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: Addison Trail High School, 213 N. Lombard Road, Addison

Cost: Free

Details: Marco Gasca, (630) 458-4114